Lagniappe

There’s only one thing to talk about this week. We discuss the recent volatility surrounding tariffs and the implications for investors. We explore historical trends during periods of uncertainty, the opportunities that arise in fixed income investments, and the potential impact of economic uncertainty on consumer behavior. Weeks like this emphasize the importance of financial planning and present...

In the aftermath of “Liberation Day”, we discuss the market reactions to the tariffs announced by the Trump administration, the implications for economic growth, and the importance of diversification in investment strategies. They analyze the current state of the markets, the fear index, and the potential effects of interest rate changes. The discussion emphasizes the need for investors to navigat...

Greg and Doug Stokes discuss a first quarter filled with volatility, focusing on the performance of the Magnificent 7 companies and how market corrections are normal and often lead to better valuations. We’ll analyze consumer sentiment and reflect on historical comparisons to previous market corrections. We’ll also discuss why we welcome periodic volatility, allowing investors time to assess their...

Coming off of Fed Day, we’ll talk about market reactions and the implications for inflation and interest rates. We also explore bond market dynamics, shifts in global market trends, and the resurgence of European markets. We then delve into the housing market insights, from what’s happening here locally in New Orleans to migration trends across various states, highlighting the unique challenges an...

In a week of sharp decline, we’ll discuss why market corrections are not unusual, volatility is expected, and diversified long-term strategies are key to managing risk. We’ll also talk about the recession narrative, analyze inflation/rate trends, and look at what levers the Fed can pull. We wrap up with a conversation on government efficiency initiatives and what they mean for the job market and t...

With the news swirling about S&P 500 declines, we dig into why market corrections are a normal part of financial cycles and why diversification is proving effective in the current environment. We’ll also dig into the performance of international markets, interest rate predictions, inflation vs. stagnation arguments, tariffs, jobs, and more. Key Takeaways [00:17] - What’s going on with the market c...

Although we’re only 3-4% off market highs, investor sentiment has recently turned quite bearish, especially given a turbulent macro environment. We’ll look back on the first two months of the year, analyzing the fluctuations in the S&P 500, crypto, global tensions, and the reversal of inflation narratives. We’ll also examine why it feels like everything you thought you’d be bullish about under a T...

Throw me something, mister! It’s Mardi Gras time in New Orleans, and we’ll talk about what that means for the city’s culture and what a great family-friendly time it is. We then transition to a broader discussion on the surprising resilience of the Chinese economy and why a positive January and February often predict a strong year ahead. The conversation shifts to the cryptocurrency market, partic...

We begin this week by discussing the two biggest stories: inflation and tariffs. We’ll also delve into the performance of retail stocks, the influence of GLP-1 medications on fast food sales, and the performance of small caps and international markets. We’ll then dive into how shelter continues to drive CPI numbers and the contrasting dynamics of commercial and residential real estate markets. Key...

Our daily commutes include celebrity sightings these days which means it’s Super Bowl time in New Orleans. We’ll discuss the big game and why the Big Easy is such a great host. We’ll also give our analysis of market volatility given the recent jobs report, political movement, and AI developments. We’ll finish with the importance of long-term investment strategies, and the psychological factors suc...

Episode 150! As we look out our window watching New Orleans prepare and improve before the Super Bowl, we delve into the recent turmoil in the AI market, particularly the impact of a Chinese company's AI announcement on major tech stocks like Nvidia and Broadcom. Our discussion emphasizes the importance of market expectations and the potential for volatility in tech stocks, drawing parallels to pa...

We’re snowed in! We’ll discuss our experiences during a once-in-a-lifetime snow in New Orleans, analyze market reactions to Trump's presidency, and give prudent investment approaches as experts try to “predict corrections”. Plus NFL Championship weekend predictions. Key Takeaways [00:17] - Making memories during a rare snow in New Orleans [05:35] - Market reactions to Trump’s inauguration [08:00]...

Greg and Doug continue last week’s conversation on bond market intrigue so far in 2025. They explore the implications of rising interest rates on bonds and the attractiveness of fixed-income investments compared to equities. The conversation also touches on changing consumer behaviors, particularly with alcohol consumption, and how these trends may affect related markets/investments. Key Takeaways...

Doug and Greg begin with reflections on recent tragedies, including a terrorist attack in New Orleans and the devastating wildfires in California. They discuss the significant movements in the bond market, the ongoing housing affordability crisis, and the implications of rising interest rates and inflation. The conversation also touches on the performance of international markets and the resilienc...

Greg and Doug welcome back Santiago Solanet to discuss the current economic landscape of Argentina following the election of Javier Milei, nicknamed the Chainsaw President. They explore the historical context of Argentina's financial struggles, the impact of Milei's presidency, and the potential for investment opportunities. Santiago provides insights into the shift from socialist policies to econ...

After a brief chat about Elf on the Shelf and TV recommendations, we dive into the current state of the markets to find pockets of value when valuations can feel stretched. We’ll also discuss the concentration of returns in the S&P 500 and the continuing bullish sentiment among investors. With Elon Musk at the forefront, we highlight America's tech dominance, particularly in data centers and innov...

This week, we’ll begin our year-in-review as the analyst forecasts for 2025 start rolling in. We’ll balance those predictions by examining the volatility of the S&P 500 and the market’s historical performance. We’ll also continue our cryptocurrency conversation by considering it a speculative asset similar to gold while so much of it has no utility. We end with a historical look at markets in year...

We’re bouncing around this week, starting with the recent surge in Bitcoin and market enthusiasm, although maybe not market-wide. We'll analyze valuations and dig into why the S&P 500's growth is largely driven by earnings and dividends. The conversation shifts to the comparison between US and international markets, highlighting the challenges faced by European economies and the growing wealth dis...

Doug and Greg Stokes begin this week's discussion with NVIDIA's recent earnings report, the ongoing AI race, and the implications of new data centers. They explore the characteristics of market bubbles, particularly in the context of AI and cryptocurrency, and analyze the performance of small-cap stocks versus large-cap tech. The conversation also touches on interest rates, economic policies, tari...

This week, Doug and Greg Stokes—Stokes Family Office Managing Partners—discuss market enthusiasm following the election, focusing on the rise of speculative assets like cryptocurrency and Tesla. They’ll delve into inflation picking back up and how it has influenced market performance recently and over the last four years. The conversation also looks back at historical market performance during pol...

Greg and Doug Stokes chat about the surprising results of the 2024 election, where Trump emerged victorious, and the implications of this outcome on the market and economic policies. They analyze polling accuracy, market reactions, and the potential for changes in tax policies and regulations. The discussion this week also covers the movements in various financial markets, including treasuries, st...

Less than a week from voting day, we’ll analyze the tight race and the historical context of market performance/reactions. We’ll also talk about the evolving role of AI in corporate America and how we can place value on it from an investment perspective. We’ll finish with a conversation on market seasonality and historical trends during election years. Key Takeaways [00:17] - New earnings/jobs rep...

This week, we’ll discuss the rapidly changing political landscape as the election approaches, focusing on how market predictions and betting trends reflect potential outcomes. We’ll analyze the implications of different presidential policies on market sectors, the relationship between economic growth and interest rates, and the long-term perspectives on investment strategies. We’ll finish by takin...

Greg and Doug look at polling data and betting markets marking a shift that could be happening in the race. They’ll also examine historical data that shows the party in power does not significantly impact market performance. The conversation then shifts to economic trends, highlighting the recent performance of small and mid-cap stocks and the resurgence of gold as a viable investment. Finally, th...

With updated CPI data in hand, Greg and Doug discuss the juxtaposition of market highs and inflationary effects on consumer behavior and sentiment. They’ll also analyze the current bull market and its future projections, interest rates, the evolving office market post-COVID, and of course, a weekly election update. Key Takeaways [01:04] - Strong economic growth vs. rising prices [04:41] - Election...